Eagles training camp report, Day 6: Jihaad Campbell remains a hit, Jalen Carter progresses

It’s become unoriginal to lead with Jihaad Campbell in these training camp notes, although the first-round pick is always a source of intrigue and Campbell warrants the attention. With Zack Baun sidelined for the second consecutive practice, Campbell took first-team reps and his presence was — to use a Sean Desai description — palpable. He was technically listed as limited on the injury report. There was nothing limited about the way he played. 

The Eagles wore shorts and shells, and Campbell seemed like a wrecking ball. At one point, he bullied through Ben Van Sumeren when the fullback tried blocking him, and Van Sumeren actually departed practice early. Campbell pushed Dallas Goedert to the ground earlier this week. Campbell’s physicality is apparent, and his length and movement skills simply look different at linebacker. Campbell also rushed the quarterback from the edge with the second-team defense, which was a new development. 

The arrow is pointing up for Campbell, who at one point seemed like he wouldn’t practice until August. It’s the last day of July, and he’s been one of the biggest stories of training camp. That’s good news for the Eagles.

ELSEWHERE AT LINEBACKER…

The Eagles are practicing without last year’s top two linebackers (Baun, Nakobe Dean), yet the position is not a liability in practice. There have been years when it’s a liability with the starters. The Eagles had Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon Jr., and even undrafted rookie Lance Dixon on the field, and the linebackers were active and (mostly) effective. It’s a good sign about the progress of the position under Vic Fangio. Trotter has had a solid summer, showing improvement from last year and always appearing in the right spot. Mondon has clear length and athleticism. The Eagles have rebuilt their linebacker corps in recent years, and it’s now a strength on the roster.

INEFFICIENT OFFENSE

With DeVonta Smith absent for the second consecutive practice, it was not a particularly efficient day from the passing game. The ball was on the ground more than it was at the beginning of camp, Jalen Hurts was under pressure (Jordan Davis and Jalyx Hunt both had would-be sacks), and Hurts needed to tuck the ball and run on a few occasions. Hurts also threw an interception in a hurry-up situation when Eli Ricks (playing his only rep with the first-team defense) pulled in the pass with no offensive player around him. It appeared the intended target might have slipped.  After the interception, the first-team offense stayed on the field and could not move the ball. 

As Bo Wulf pointed out on the PHLY Eagles show, there were some contextual positives from Hurts’ performance. He moved the ball around, with Jahan Dotson getting more involved in the passing game. Hurts and Dotson worked out together in Houston this offseason. Practice is for trying different things, so it won’t always be crisp. But they’ve certainly had more efficient days.

JALEN CARTER RETURNS

A good sign for the Eagles: Jalen Carter worked in team drills for the first time since he returned to practice. Carter, one of the team’s best players, has been recovering from a shoulder injury. It’s not a concern, but it’s a positive development when he can progress to team drills. He was still limited, not yet taking his full allotment of snaps.

INJURY NOTES

• There were two new absences: wide receiver Terrace Marshall (knee) and tight end EJ Jenkins (hamstring).
• Zack Baun (back), DeVonta Smith( back), and Nolan Smith (concussion) are all starters who missed their second consecutive practice.
• Safety Drew Mukuba (shoulder) remains sidelined, and his extended absence could affect the competition next to Reed Blankenship.
• Running back AJ Dillon was limited with a back injury.

LINEUP NOTES

• Adoree’ Jackson was first up at cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell. It was the fourth time in six practices that Jackson took the first reps at cornerback. Kelee Ringo had a productive practice, staying tight in coverage and getting a near interception at one point. Eli Ricks also mixed in with the first-teamers for one snap, as mentioned. 
• Matt Pryor and Brett Toth mixed in at right tackle and right guard, respectively, late in practice.
• Azeez Ojulari took first-team snaps as the edge rusher on the right side.
• Montrell Johnson mixed in with the first-team offense with Dillon limited.
• Avery Williams fielded punts on Thursday. He had been working as a punt protector at earlier points in camp. Cooper DeJean also mixed in with the returners.

DOWN-THE-DEPTH CHART NOTES…

• The run of the day came from undrafted rookie ShunDerrick Powell, who cut through the line and burst outside for a big gain. If it was a live period, he might have been chased down, but the play was not blown dead.
• Tight end Cameron Latu made a big catch down the middle of the field from Tanner McKee when he beat Lance Dixon and had no one in front of him.
• A tough practice for wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who had a chance to use his size on two pass attempts that he could not bring down.